Hajj expenses likely to increase up to Rs. 1,00,000

Four airline companies which execute Hajj operations have also indicated to raise fare up to Rs. 1,000.

According to reports available to The News Tribe, Pakistan’s largest Independent News Website, secretary of the religious affare Chauhdri Muhammad Azam Samman was briefed last night about the proposed draft.

The draft would be presented in the next meeting of cabinet for the final decision.

Officials of the department disclosed that for the first time three Hajj categories had been developed as compared to previous two categories.

New category has been given title “Blue Category” which will be only 900 meter away from the Masjid-ul-haram, the most sacred place for Muslims. Other categories include Green Category and White Category.

Last year, Pakistan government charged Rs. 2,10,045 for Green Category means that an addition of Rs. 65,000 has been made in fare.

For White Category, the government charged Rs. 2,00,847 from pilgrims last year means Rs. 29,000 would be added to the expenses this year.

Sources added that the readable passport and national identity card would remain compulsory in the new Hajj policy and no Pilgrims would be allowed to repeat Hajj.

However exceptions to repeat Hajj would be allowed only for those who are going with relative women, as single female pilgrim is not allowed during Hajj, or going as a group leader for female pilgrims.